The Virginia fans streaming for the exits in the waning moments of Saturday's 28-14 loss to North Carolina State undoubtedly concur.

They also have every reason to question London's game management, particularly his use of quarterbacks Michael Rocco and David Watford. Not to mention the play-calling of offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.

Those weren't the Cavaliers' only issues Saturday, but they contributed mightily to a stumble that came one week after an upset of then-No. 12 Georgia Tech and brought back memories of 2010.

You'll recall that last season Virginia upset No. 22 Miami at home. A week later the Cavaliers lost at Duke, the Blue Devils' lone ACC victory of the year.

Saturday's two steps back were more troubling. More because this was at home. More because Virginia is supposed to be better than last season's 4-8 squad.

And maybe the Cavaliers (4-3, 1-2 ACC) are. But they squandered another opportunity to build upon success, at home, against an opponent heretofore winless in ACC play.

"We're in that middle of the pack right now," London said of the conference standings, "and we have to define which direction we're going. That's my job."

Job One needs to be handling the quarterbacks better.

Yes, London's determination to use Watford, a dynamic freshman, is understandable. But pulling Rocco after his 6-yard touchdown pass to Clifton Richardson gave Virginia a 7-0 lead made zero sense.

"Just stick to the plan," Lazor said with a look that indicated London made the decision.

London's defense: It was the Cavaliers' fourth possession, Watford's turn.

Sorry, but this isn't grade-school recess where kids take turns.

On Watford's second snap, receiver Darius Jennings ran a deep route as Watford threw short. Cornerback David Amerson intercepted, and on the very next play, Mike Glennon hit Bryan Underwood for a 33-yard touchdown and 14-7 lead.

Rocco returned on the next series but never completed another pass. He was 7-for-9 before the switch, 0-for-10 after.

"We're kind of getting used to it," Rocco said of the rotation. "It's not always easy to get much of a rhythm. (But) it's what we're given and we have to make do with it. …

"I just couldn't get much of a rhythm in the second half. I was missing throws I should have completed."

Virginia averaged 5 yards per rush in the first half, but Lazor opened the second with seven passes in the first nine plays. Rocco was 0-for and went to the bench for the day.